to_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o salvation_n when_o he_o shall_v set_v down_o a_o list_n of_o they_o and_o produce_v his_o proof_n that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n etc._n etc._n a_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o but_o till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o distinction_n of_o reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o god_n veracity_n and_o truth_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n unto_o i_o i_o shall_v here_o further_o observe_v that_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v have_v not_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o doctrine_n which_o instruct_v we_o what_o be_v pay_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n be_v not_o the_o price_n itself_o with_o which_o that_o salvation_n be_v purchase_v 2._o the_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v only_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o person_n who_o do_v believe_v they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o make_v know_v 3._o the_o relation_n the_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n have_v to_o his_o salvation_n who_o do_v know_v and_o believe_v they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v to_o his_o salvation_n who_o do_v know_v and_o believe_v they_o which_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v take_v to_o be_v his_o lord_n whatever_o those_o matter_n be_v which_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n some_o be_v please_v to_o term_n indifferent_a matter_n a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o when_o he_o know_v they_o be_v reveal_v there_o as_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v there_o for_o 4._o the_o reason_n of_o my_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n teach_v and_o therefore_o my_o believe_a one_o doctrine_n have_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o my_o salvation_n that_o my_o believe_v another_o doctrine_n christ_n have_v teach_v have_v to_o my_o salvation_n they_o be_v equal_o act_v of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o each_o belief_n be_v the_o very_a same_o yet_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o our_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n this_o author_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o have_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o our_o partake_n of_o salvation_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o real_a price_n and_o a_o proper_a purchase_n of_o salvation_n for_o mankind_n have_v to_o the_o purchase_n of_o salvation_n for_o mankind_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o then_o i_o must_v add_v we_o shall_v hereby_o as_o proper_o purchase_v our_o own_o salvation_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v to_o 5._o if_o a_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n what_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n than_o this_o necessity_n of_o believe_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n must_v be_v obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o himself_o by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o doctrine_n which_o and_o how_o many_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n that_o as_o it_o lay_v aside_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n authority_n to_o determine_v the_o matter_n so_o it_o will_v not_o do_v the_o church_n any_o great_a service_n without_o pretend_v that_o one_o certain_a man_n or_o a_o number_n of_o man_n be_v to_o make_v this_o judgement_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o all_o other_o must_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o and_o depend_v whole_o on_o his_o or_o their_o determination_n this_o indeed_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o raise_v humane_a authority_n to_o a_o great_a height_n in_o the_o most_o important_a business_n of_o religion_n but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n for_o hereby_o people_n will_v be_v determine_v to_o take_v they_o for_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o from_o their_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o necessity_n arise_v from_o their_o nature_n but_o from_o bare_a humane_a authority_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o or_o those_o who_o have_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n have_v be_v determine_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o not_o by_o their_o own_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n till_o they_o have_v resolve_v the_o matter_n themselves_o by_o exercise_v their_o own_o reason_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o shall_v be_v recommend_v to_o rather_o impose_v on_o they_o it_o plain_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v write_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o think_v the_o epistle_n the_o most_o proper_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v consult_v in_o order_n to_o our_o discern_a which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n yet_o that_o he_o think_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v fundamental_a article_n to_o be_v actual_o believe_v by_o christian_n now_o as_o they_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v such_o use_n of_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v understand_v they_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o either_o by_o consider_v their_o nature_n or_o what_o they_o find_v the_o scripture_n do_v instruct_v concern_v the_o same_o see_v reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 300._o second_o vindic._n of_o it_o p._n 201._o and_o 319._o but_o say_v this_o author_n these_o doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o another_o ground_n beside_o that_o of_o mere_a revelation_n p._n 19_o answ._n upon_o what_o ground_n be_v they_o to_o be_v believe_v beside_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v they_o be_v that_o ground_n better_o or_o worse_o do_v it_o lay_v a_o great_a or_o less_o obligation_n on_o people_n to_o believe_v they_o than_o divine_a revelation_n do_v i_o expect_v not_o to_o meet_v with_o a_o better_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v any_o of_o christ_n doctrine_n than_o this_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o those_o who_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v here_o may_v wander_v where_o they_o please_v for_o satisfaction_n provide_v they_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v other_o to_o rove_v with_o they_o moreover_o be_v not_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o these_o doctrine_n lie_v historical_n declare_v the_o way_n and_o method_n how_o jesus_n obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n and_o be_v there_o any_o way_n for_o people_n to_o know_v that_o what_o be_v declare_v in_o those_o doctrine_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o revelation_n it_o have_v no_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o to_o know_v from_o its_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v gracious_o appoint_v to_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o that_o end_n we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_v to_o discover_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n but_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o i_o answer_v we_o can_v learn_v no_o more_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n than_o the_o doctrine_n do_v deliver_v therefore_o if_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o declare_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o can_v learn_v any_o such_o thing_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o deliver_v any_o such_o thing_n beside_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v
duty_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o attain_n to_o the_o clear_a and_o full_a knowledge_n of_o their_o lord_n will_n they_o must_v take_v care_n they_o do_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n and_o precept_n of_o man_n collect_v but_o must_v diligent_o read_v and_o study_v the_o entire_a and_o complete_a revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o his_o father_n pleasure_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o transgress_v our_o bound_n and_o go_v further_o than_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o revelation_n reach_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n and_o consequent_o do_v that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o in_o divine_a revelation_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o many_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v there_o as_o they_o can_v and_o believe_v every_o one_o as_o they_o attain_v to_o know_v they_o therefore_o every_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n but_o say_v this_o author_n if_o all_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o to_o denominate_v man_n true_o christian_n be_v the_o bare_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o absolute_o for_o their_o king_n why_o shall_v our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o instruct_v they_o viz._n his_o disciple_n far_o in_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v concern_v he_o p._n 75._o answ._n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o promise_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n for_o they_o be_v christian_n when_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o or_o how_o can_v they_o be_v his_o disciple_n but_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o they_o must_v believe_v when_o instruct_v in_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o have_v receive_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o as_o other_o christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o then_o believe_v on_o the_o same_o account_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v they_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o take_v jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o shall_v teach_v they_o if_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v before_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v this_o author_n think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v from_o act._n 10._o 43._o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n in_o this_o and_o almost_o all_o other_o place_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n as_o they_o be_v explain_v by_o this_o and_o other_o apostle_n in_o all_o part_n of_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o must_v all_o have_v the_o same_o mean_v and_o that_o therefore_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o it_o be_v now_o require_v for_o a_o fundamental_a of_o our_o faith_n must_v comprehend_v the_o full_a sense_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o scripture_n p._n 76_o 77._o answ._n if_o i_o comprehend_v the_o force_n of_o this_o author_n be_v argue_v here_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o term_n messiah_n do_v understand_v all_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n they_o have_v deliver_v throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v that_o jesus_n of_o who_o they_o preach_v so_o that_o by_o people_n believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n they_o mean_v their_o believe_v explicit_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n this_o notion_n now_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o preach_v jesus_n to_o any_o they_o do_v particular_o acquaint_v they_o with_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o then_o promise_v they_o pardon_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o do_v believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n they_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o by_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n they_o mean_v the_o explicit_a believe_v of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n they_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o this_o supposition_n be_v as_o i_o apprehend_v this_o they_o be_v all_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o must_v all_o have_v the_o same_o mean_v that_o be_v i_o suppose_v they_o must_v all_o understand_v the_o term_n messiah_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n viz._n as_o signify_v precise_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n many_o remark_n may_v be_v make_v on_o this_o occasion_n i_o will_v only_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o supposition_n be_v perfect_o precarious_a without_o any_o warrant_n at_o all_o from_o scripture_n several_a of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v be_v propound_v as_o very_o proper_a inducement_n to_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o point_n in_o discourse_n but_o whether_o the_o term_n messiah_n do_v with_o the_o apostle_n signify_v just_o such_o a_o set_v of_o doctrine_n 2._o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v they_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o term_n messiah_n for_o they_o understand_v it_o very_o well_o before_o nor_o do_v they_o in_o preach_v to_o the_o jew_n use_v the_o term_n messiah_n in_o a_o sense_n they_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o which_o will_v therefore_o need_v a_o particular_a explanation_n but_o as_o a_o term_n so_o common_a and_o so_o distinct_o understand_v among_o they_o as_o the_o term_n in_o any_o nation_n be_v common_o understand_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n which_o express_v and_o signify_v their_o supreme_a governor_n all_o the_o apostle_n understand_v the_o term_n messiah_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o use_v it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o which_o those_o who_o hear_v they_o do_v common_o understand_v it_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o preach_v and_o explain_v new_a term_n nor_o to_o tack_n new_a meaning_n unto_o old_a term_n 3._o in_o their_o preach_n to_o unbeliever_n they_o insist_v on_o such_o consideration_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o common_a mean_v of_o the_o term_n and_o not_o such_o as_o do_v immediate_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o new_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o and_o which_o must_v make_v up_o a_o new_a sense_n for_o a_o ancient_a word_n 4._o we_o have_v good_a warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o instruct_v at_o once_o but_o gradual_o in_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v jesus_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o mean_v every_o one_o of_o these_o doctrine_n constant_o by_o the_o term_n messiah_n for_o they_o can_v not_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n at_o first_o with_o any_o more_o of_o these_o doctrine_n than_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n instruct_v in_o and_o if_o they_o add_v more_o doctrine_n when_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o more_o as_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o they_o understand_v the_o term_n messiah_n they_o use_v it_o then_o in_o a_o new_a sense_n and_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v say_v but_o now_o we_o have_v a_o full_a account_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o full_a mean_v in_o which_o the_o term_n messiah_n be_v to_o be_v use_v and_o consequent_o what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n take_v the_o term_n messiah_n to_o signify_v every_o one_o of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v jesus_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v to_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o person_n must_v now_o explicit_o believe_v every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o full_a sense_n give_v of_o it_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v very_o true_a all_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v jesus_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v see_v all_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n together_o for_o this_o end_n to_o who_o be_v the_o office_n of_o collect_v they_o for_o this_o purpose_n commit_v and_o what_o assurance_n shall_v people_n have_v if_o uninspired_a man_n may_v undertake_v it_o that_o their_o collection_n be_v complete_a for_o if_o any_o one_o passage_n be_v omit_v distinct_a from_o what_o shall_v be_v in_o
divine_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 3._o he_o be_v then_o to_o set_v down_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o this_o place_n and_o 4._o he_o must_v prove_v that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n have_v confess_v that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a say_n that_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o authority_n nor_o the_o bare_a affirm_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o church_n that_o will_v prove_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o explain_v and_o full_a prove_v the_o particular_n already_o name_v will_v require_v some_o time_n and_o consideration_n and_o when_o they_o be_v full_o clear_v and_o substantial_o confirm_v there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o need_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o how_o the_o church_n be_v impose_v on_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o a_o few_o consideration_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v true_a and_o consonant_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n 1._o that_o which_o make_v a_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v not_o its_o be_v place_v in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o in_o another_o but_o the_o divine_a determination_n that_o it_o must_v be_v necessary_o believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n 2._o that_o our_o know_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n depend_v upon_o god_n declare_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n let_v this_o declaration_n lie_v in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n soever_o 3._o that_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n may_v be_v better_o discern_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n than_o in_o the_o epistle_n though_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v assign_v 4._o the_o new_a testament_n comprehend_v the_o entire_a revelation_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o which_o sacred_a write_n our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v what_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n and_o subject_n or_o christian_n and_o in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n he_o have_v also_o deliver_v or_o declare_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o which_o those_o he_o admit_v for_o his_o subject_n must_v be_v govern_v so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v or_o receive_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o christian_a but_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v in_o some_o part_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n 5._o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o how_o many_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o how_o many_o article_n he_o have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v which_o those_o who_o be_v his_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v believe_v and_o observe_v but_o what_o be_v those_o article_n he_o do_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n his_o subject_n or_o christian_n 6._o all_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v equal_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n by_o all_o those_o christian_n who_o do_v understand_v they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v or_o deliver_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n but_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n indeed_o there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n which_o i_o know_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o influence_n on_o i_o at_o present_a in_o proportion_n to_o their_o nature_n that_o other_o doctrine_n have_v which_o i_o know_v be_v teach_v there_o but_o this_o difference_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o unalterable_a nor_o from_o my_o not_o receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n for_o i_o do_v receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o other_o but_o this_o difference_n speak_v of_o now_o arise_v from_o something_o else_o viz._n my_o present_a state_n and_o circumstance_n or_o the_o like_a now_o say_v this_o author_n if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n viz._n the_o epistle_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n then_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v absolute_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o or_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v five_o in_o number_n answ._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n repute_v thing_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n that_o make_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o the_o very_a early_a time_n of_o christianity_n even_o long_o before_o the_o apostle_n decease_n there_o be_v people_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o who_o set_v up_o for_o teacher_n in_o the_o the_o church_n who_o affirm_v certain_a thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o act._n 15._o 1._o 2._o when_o this_o author_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o set_v down_o plain_o the_o doctrine_n his_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o secret_a relation_n to_o a_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o they_o be_v just_o repute_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v explicit_o to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o not_o by_o consider_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n repute_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o not_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n do_v original_o repute_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o warrant_n the_o successive_a continuance_n of_o that_o reputation_n can_v make_v those_o doctrine_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a length_n of_o time_n and_o reiterated_a applause_n can_v advance_v a_o original_a mistake_n into_o truth_n the_o second_o concoction_n will_v not_o in_o this_o case_n rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o 4._o a_o person_n who_o do_v suppose_v yea_o acknowledge_v that_o several_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o any_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n have_v be_v just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n may_v regular_o and_o with_o good_a warrant_n deny_v that_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o i_o suppose_v this_o author_n mean_v for_o otherwise_o the_o consequence_n he_o draw_v be_v not_o to_o his_o purpose_n though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v either_o one_o or_o five_o negative_n for_o many_o doctrine_n may_v be_v very_o just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v all_o along_o be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n the_o consequence_n may_v be_v regular_o deny_v and_o no_o necessity_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o person_n deny_v it_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o this_o author_n apply_v himself_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o animadversion_n to_o prove_v these_o five_o point_n 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v some_o thing_n for_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n 3._o that_o some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o a_o design_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v necessary_o require_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n 5._o that_o some_o of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v explicit_o know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n with_o
this_o author_n have_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v better_a discern_v by_o consult_v the_o gospel_n and_o act_n what_o be_v the_o article_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propound_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o the_o epistle_n and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o his_o discourse_n nothing_o follow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n nor_o will_v it_o follow_v the_o apostle_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n or_o that_o they_o clog_n man_n faith_n with_o unnecessary_a point_n of_o belief_n because_o they_o have_v teach_v several_a doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n but_o which_o christian_n must_v labour_v to_o understand_v and_o which_o will_v then_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o they_o the_o apostle_n fidelity_n to_o their_o trust_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o man_n prejudicate_v fancy_n and_o therefore_o person_n have_v need_n take_v heed_n of_o determine_v that_o the_o apostle_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o write_v such_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o a_o unwary_a christian_a but_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n when_o he_o know_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v there_o as_o firm_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o but_o say_v this_o author_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o write_n of_o their_o epistle_n be_v to_o deliver_v several_a doctrine_n that_o shall_v be_v necessary_o believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o such_o p._n 35._o answ._n very_o true_a but_o then_o 1._o if_o what_o you_o suggest_v here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o write_v their_o epistle_n the_o cause_n be_v clear_o give_v up_o to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n for_o then_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o write_n of_o their_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o deliver_v several_a doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n 2._o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o all_o that_o be_v christian_n must_v necessary_o explicit_o believe_v every_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n though_o the_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o do_v understand_v they_o this_o author_n than_o proceed_v to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o write_v the_o epistle_n be_v real_o so_o by_o produce_v many_o place_n out_o of_o they_o all_o which_o i_o may_v pass_v over_o without_o any_o observation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o that_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n must_v necessary_o believe_v they_o but_o because_o this_o author_n sometime_o infer_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o will_v brief_o intimate_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a import_n of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o quote_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o speak_v not_o bare_o of_o christian_n but_o person_n who_o pretend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v inspire_v but_o take_v it_o of_o christian_n all_o who_o do_v know_v what_o he_o have_v write_v or_o that_o he_o have_v write_v thing_n be_v to_o believe_v explicit_o or_o implicit_o that_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v he_o have_v give_v full_a proof_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v christian_n now_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 1._o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o very_a plain_a account_n how_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o they_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o proof_n he_o have_v propound_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o that_o they_o have_v believe_v this_o gospel_n â—s_v also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o be_v save_v and_o make_v christian_n without_o the_o believe_a of_o which_o whatever_o else_o they_o believe_v will_v not_o avail_v they_o to_o salvation_n vid._n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 269._o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n without_o borrow_v other_o article_n to_o underprop_v it_o some_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o here_o mind_v they_o of_o and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v superstructure_n erect_v on_o that_o foundation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o have_v be_v former_o consider_v vid._n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n etc._n etc._n p._n 303_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o be_v a_o motive_n to_o timothy_n to_o take_v care_n to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v 1_o th._n 4._o 1._o be_v a_o direction_n to_o christian_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o false_a teacher_n will_v obtrude_v on_o they_o certify_v they_o may_v just_o conclude_v those_o to_o be_v false_a teacher_n who_o do_v deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v real_a man._n the_o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n be_v express_v that_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o messiah_n do_v make_v a_o man_n a_o christian._n whether_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o distinct_a act_n here_o from_o the_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n may_v be_v consider_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v show_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o do_v not_o consider_v strict_o declare_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o they_o do_v know_v and_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n concern_v his_o conversation_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 15._o show_n that_o believer_n or_o christian_n must_v take_v care_n to_o hold_v fast_o whatever_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o and_o full_o assure_v be_v christ_n doctrine_n not_o one_o of_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n consider_v by_o itself_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o consider_v together_o do_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o write_v in_o their_o epistle_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o and_o innumerable_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v they_o that_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o set_v a_o very_a great_a value_n on_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o endeavour_v to_o acquire_v as_o distinct_a a_o knowledge_n as_o they_o can_v of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o what_o doctrine_n they_o have_v learn_v from_o their_o write_n and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o doctrine_n for_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o say_v this_o author_n it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v fill_v their_o write_n with_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n of_o believe_v they_o p._n 37._o answ._n true_a if_o christian_n when_o they_o know_v they_o have_v write_v they_o shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n not_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o will_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v fill_v their_o epistle_n to_o believer_n or_o christian_n with_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n on_o unbeliever_n to_o believe_v they_o all_o explicit_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n be_v every_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o be_v to_o be_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v explicit_o know_v and_o believe_v by_o unbeliever_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n so_o that_o when_o once_o they_o be_v christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o here_o add_v this_o author_n it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o christian_n and_o whether_o design_v to_o teach_v they_o any_o doctrine_n
p._n 214_o 215._o perhaps_o he_o be_v then_o or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o put_v they_o forth_o to_o trust_n no_o doubt_n be_v desirous_a to_o place_v they_o where_o they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v most_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v a_o notion_n more_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n deliver_v than_o this_o be_v many_o more_o particular_n may_v be_v mention_v to_o discover_v that_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v no_o agreement_n with_o the_o notion_n mr._n hobbs_n advance_v but_o stand_v at_o the_o very_a same_o distance_n from_o they_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v but_o i_o think_v these_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a person_n in_o p._n 66._o this_o author_n propose_v to_o examine_v whether_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o messiah_n or_o christ_n always_o signify_v the_o same_o in_o scripture_n answ._n this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n to_o be_v examine_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v assert_v but_o whether_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n do_v always_o signify_v the_o same_o when_o they_o be_v use_v either_o alone_a or_o together_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v the_o due_a believe_v whereof_o do_v constitute_v or_o make_v people_n christian_n or_o which_o relate_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v propose_v to_o people_n acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o upon_o their_o believe_v of_o which_o they_o do_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o christian_n that_o these_o term_n when_o thus_o make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v the_o same_o i_o think_v the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n have_v prove_v very_o clear_o and_o full_o in_o that_o book_n and_o in_o his_o second_o vindication_n of_o it_o they_o very_o plain_o appear_v to_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o st._n paul_n on_o such_o occasion_n for_o soon_o after_o his_o conversion_n it_o be_v say_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 9_o 20._o that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n or_o that_o person_n who_o be_v eminent_o know_v by_o the_o name_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o in_o v_o 22._o it_o be_v say_v he_o confound_v the_o jew_n the_o person_n who_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n how_o do_v he_o confound_v they_o by_o prove_v this_o be_v the_o very_a christ._n now_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n do_v not_o here_o signify_v the_o same_o his_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n he_o preach_v of_o be_v very_a christ_n can_v not_o be_v a_o proof_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o will_v confound_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o denote_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n in_o very_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n even_o in_o all_o those_o where_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o declare_v and_o teach_v that_o particular_a doctrine_n but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o inquire_v in_o how_o many_o sense_n that_o phrase_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n but_o what_o its_o sense_n and_o mean_v be_v in_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o i_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n neither_o treat_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n nor_o inquire_v how_o many_o thing_n christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o then_o believe_v concern_v christ._n but_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o article_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o believe_v of_o which_o aright_o they_o will_v be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o employ_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n and_o the_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o all_o those_o sacred_a write_n which_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n when_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v there_o this_o author_n urge_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o large_a signification_n than_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n in_o john_n 20._o 31._o but_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o design_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o that_o oppose_v it_o now_o if_o those_o phrase_n mean_v only_o the_o same_o then_o st._n john_n himself_o do_v not_o assign_v the_o true_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v say_v the_o complete_a or_o full_a and_o adequate_a reason_n for_o his_o writing_n that_o gospel_n for_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v certain_o another_o end_n in_o it_o than_o bare_o to_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o if_o they_o mean_v different_o and_o son_n of_o god_n do_v there_o denote_v christ_n divinity_n than_o we_o have_v in_o that_o forementioned_a passage_n the_o whole_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n assign_v for_o his_o writing_n that_o gospel_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n p._n 68_o 69._o answ._n i_o acknowledge_v st._n john_n do_v design_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o have_v prove_v his_o divinity_n at_o large_a in_o his_o first_o chapter_n as_o this_o author_n most_o true_o declare_v and_o i_o think_v he_o have_v very_o clear_o teach_v it_o in_o other_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n too_o i_o think_v likewise_o it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o st._n john_n in_o write_v his_o gospel_n do_v design_n to_o instruct_v people_n in_o several_a other_o doctrine_n beside_o christ_n divinity_n as_o he_o have_v actual_o do_v for_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o other_o doctrine_n be_v drop_v there_o by_o chance_n so_o that_o to_o show_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n can_v not_o be_v the_o whole_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o write_v that_o gospel_n further_o i_o think_v this_o author_n and_o i_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v be_v not_o immediate_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v but_o of_o his_o mission_n or_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ._n moreover_o the_o son_n of_o god_n denote_v something_o beside_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n or_o be_v god_n in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o point_n but_o st._n john_n be_v not_o give_v a_o account_n in_o this_o passage_n chap._n 20._o 31._o of_o his_o whole_a design_n in_o write_v that_o gospel_n but_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o large_o relate_v the_o sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v which_o sign_n and_o miracle_n do_v not_o prove_v any_o thing_n more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o than_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n thus_o the_o christ_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n seem_v here_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o in_o p._n 73._o this_o author_n say_v that_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n a_o believer_n or_o a_o christian_a during_o the_o actual_a ministry_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o true_o entitle_v any_o one_o to_o that_o character_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o do_v not_o find_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o any_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v on_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o just_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n answ._n the_o direct_a contrary_n appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o we_o constant_o find_v the_o apostle_n propound_v just_o the_o same_o article_n jesus_n himself_o do_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o people_n be_v christian_n or_o denominate_v believer_n and_o if_o christ_n admit_v person_n during_o his_o ministry_n into_o the_o same_o covenant_n people_n be_v admit_v into_o since_o his_o ascension_n what_o be_v sufficient_a before_o for_o that_o purpose_n must_v be_v so_o after_o his_o ascension_n but_o what_o this_o author_n mean_v by_o a_o just_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o true_a end_n
article_n which_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o to_o this_o end_n say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n he_o have_v run_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n to_o discover_v upon_o what_o term_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o first_o found_v and_o his_o apostle_n who_o afterward_o build_v up_o christianity_n admit_v man_n into_o that_o religion_n answ._n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n find_v so_o great_a a_o disagreement_n among_o the_o writer_n of_o system_n concern_v the_o article_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n do_v betake_v himself_o to_o the_o sole_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o discover_v upon_o what_o term_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v admit_v man_n for_o disciple_n or_o christian_n or_o do_v own_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o upon_o his_o have_v make_v a_o attentive_a and_o unbiased_a search_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n they_o admit_v man_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o find_v that_o what_o those_o term_n be_v be_v best_a to_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apopostle_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n confine_v himself_o in_o his_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o term_n to_o the_o frequent_a and_o exact_a relation_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n have_v declare_v at_o large_a all_o that_o he_o can_v find_v require_v by_o they_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v only_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o then_o nor_o any_o article_n impose_v upon_o we_o which_o be_v not_o enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n in_o those_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v consider_v which_o alone_o according_a to_o he_o declare_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o man_n be_v denominate_v believer_n or_o christian_n answ._n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o the_o only_a true_a and_o living_n god_n a_o christian_a but_o only_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n he_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n which_o be_v not_o enjoin_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n in_o which_o part_n of_o scripture_n the_o condition_n upon_o which_o man_n be_v denominate_v believer_n or_o christian_n be_v best_a to_o be_v discern_v but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o he_o do_v any_o where_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v the_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o alone_o declare_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o man_n be_v denominate_v believer_n or_o christian_n he_o do_v express_o declare_v that_o the_o article_n necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o epistle_n reasonab_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 295._o this_o way_n of_o examine_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n have_v be_v a_o unexceptionable_a method_n for_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v omit_v no_o article_n which_o be_v there_o make_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n as_o what_o be_v observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n answ._n the_o method_n then_o observe_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n be_v unexceptionable_a for_o the_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o faith_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v inquire_v after_o it_o viz._n what_o artiticle_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n not_o what_o article_n may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o or_o any_o who_o be_v already_o christian_n provide_v he_o do_v not_o omit_v any_o article_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian._n and_o if_o he_o have_v omit_v any_o such_o article_n that_o may_v be_v a_o good_a exception_n against_o his_o collection_n but_o not_o against_o his_o method_n but_o have_v he_o collect_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n proper_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o they_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o then_o affirm_v that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v a_o christian_n must_v necessary_o explicit_o believe_v every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o no_o christian_a must_v believe_v any_o more_o i_o think_v there_o will_v have_v be_v very_o just_a ground_n to_o have_v except_v against_o his_o collection_n how_o unexceptionable_a soever_o his_o way_n of_o examine_v our_o faith_n have_v be_v unless_o he_o can_v have_v prove_v that_o every_o christian_a shall_v have_v both_o capacity_n to_o understand_v every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o space_n enough_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n many_o more_o article_n may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o some_o christian_n than_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o christian_n because_o some_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o more_o article_n and_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n than_o many_o other_o very_o good_a christian_n can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n appear_v to_o be_v a_o person_n who_o understanding_n and_o charity_n be_v of_o a_o different_a size_n from_o they_o who_o be_v for_o person_n swallow_v article_n of_o faith_n as_o some_o people_n do_v pill_n a_o precise_a number_n because_o say_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o such_o a_o box_n or_o of_o such_o a_o person_n prescribe_v to_o make_v their_o operation_n certain_a without_o understand_v either_o what_o they_o be_v make_v of_o or_o for_o what_o particular_a reason_n they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v for_o that_o there_o be_v other_o require_v even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a in_o these_o part_n of_o sacred_a writ_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v extract_v his_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n what_o i_o purpose_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a observation_n answ._n prove_v from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v other_o article_n distinct_a from_o those_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n do_v insist_v on_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n you_o do_v your_o business_n as_o effectual_o as_o if_o you_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n but_o this_o author_n intend_v to_o prove_v more_o than_o this_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v more_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o treatise_n but_o that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n which_o yet_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n as_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a word_n as_o also_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o distinct_a article_n from_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n answ._n here_o this_o author_n undertake_v to_o show_v not_o that_o there_o be_v article_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o all_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n which_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n for_o both_o these_o author_n agree_v as_o to_o that_o but_o that_o these_o distinct_a article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n so_o that_o shall_v a_o person_n upon_o find_a conviction_n hearty_o yield_v up_o himself_o without_o any_o reservation_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o unfeigned_o receive_v he_o for_o his_o lord_n to_o be_v absolute_o govern_v by_o he_o year_n shall_v sincere_o follow_v his_o conduct_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o article_n teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n do_v firm_o assent_v to_o and_o
the_o messiah_n since_o if_o they_o once_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n p._n 78_o 79._o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n messiah_n be_v here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o different_a from_o what_o this_o author_n have_v before_o declare_v the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o it_o 2._o that_o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v it_o either_o interpret_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v use_v the_o term_n according_a to_o the_o familiar_a and_o common_o know_v meaning_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n 3._o that_o suppose_v the_o jew_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n yet_o they_o must_v believe_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o messiah_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o only_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v a_o right_n believe_v of_o this_o that_o do_v make_v they_o christian_n how_o near_o a_o connection_n soever_o their_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o which_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v concern_v he_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o messiah_n may_v have_v with_o their_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n suppose_v they_o do_v general_o believe_v that_o their_o expect_a messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n yet_o those_o who_o believe_v other_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v god_n too_o be_v not_o christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o believe_v a_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n nor_o a_o believe_v that_o person_n to_o be_v god_n that_o make_v people_n christian_n but_o a_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o real_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v so_o also_o must_v it_o be_v equal_o a_o crime_n not_o to_o know_v clear_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v that_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n p._n 87._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v this_o hold_v true_a as_o to_o all_o man_n and_o so_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o be_v wilful_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n say_v this_o author_n for_o the_o defend_v his_o divinity_n viz._n our_o saviour_n with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o concern_v as_o st._n john_n do_v defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_a man_n p._n 87._o answ._n 1._o the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o defend_v divine_a truth_n when_o oppose_v and_o deny_v by_o person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v bare_o from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o also_o from_o their_o nature_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v divine_a truth_n and_o therefore_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o which_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v 2._o he_o that_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v not_o therein_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_a man_n he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v man_n but_o not_o only_a man_n for_o that_o be_v not_o propose_v to_o his_o belief_n when_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v attain_v to_o know_v be_v reveal_v concern_v he_o believe_v in_o christ_n say_v this_o author_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o scripture_n have_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a be_v a_o fundamental_a that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v either_o more_o or_o less_o of_o he_o than_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n p._n 92._o answ._n revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ._n so_o that_o a_o christian_n let_v his_o advances_n in_o knowledge_n be_v ever_o so_o great_a must_v no_o believe_v any_o thing_n concern_v he_o but_o what_o he_o be_v warrant_v or_o at_o least_o apprehend_v upon_o mature_a consideration_n he_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n but_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o do_v explicit_o believe_v every_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v people_n to_o believe_v concern_v christ_n be_v a_o notion_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o any_o where_o warrant_n be_v this_o notion_n true_a no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n who_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o christ_n be_v not_o every_o way_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a sagacious_a and_o understand_a person_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n or_o that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n nay_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a since_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o there_o may_v be_v ground_n to_o question_n whether_o any_o uninspired_a man_n do_v or_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o just_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v concern_v christ._n but_o it_o will_v probable_o be_v object_v say_v this_o author_n to_o all_o this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v several_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_a christian_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o in_o order_n to_o his_o admission_n into_o christianity_n than_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n contend_v for_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o propose_v in_o its_o full_a weight_n but_o that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o for_o if_o the_o answer_v reach_v it_o as_o it_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o say_v this_o author_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o forementioned_a article_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o may_v be_v name_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o one_o article_n of_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v a_o repetition_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o branch_n p._n 92_o 93._o answ._n this_o answer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o satisfactory_a because_o it_o be_v whole_o concern_v another_o matter_n than_o that_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o objection_n the_o objection_n be_v concern_v what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n the_o answer_n be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o article_n moreover_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o several_a distinct_a article_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n this_o author_n have_v former_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o nature_n of_o several_a doctrine_n and_o their_o be_v divine_a revelation_n now_o consider_v several_a particular_a doctrine_n single_o in_o themselves_o and_o abstract_o from_o their_o be_v divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n one_o with_o another_o how_o can_v they_o then_o be_v every_o one_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n i_o agree_v with_o this_o author_n that_o a_o person_n be_v believe_v explicitly_a certain_a particular_a doctrine_n jesus_n have_v teach_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o he_o know_v that_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v a_o repetition_n of_o his_o belief_n of_o that_o article_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o believe_v every_o one_o of_o the_o other_o doctrine_n but_o if_o his_o believe_v certain_a particular_a doctrine_n be_v but_o a_o repetition_n of_o his_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n how_o can_v the_o repeat_v or_o rather_o limit_a exercise_n